What is a Food Allergy?
Food allergies occur when the immune system responds defensively to a specific food protein that has been ingested. The immune system mistakenly identifies a normal harmless food product as a threat to the body. A food allergy is not the same as food intolerance, although they often are misunderstood to be the same thing. Food intolerance occurs when certain foods irritate the digestive system or there’s an inability to breakdown and digest certain foods. Therefore, food intolerance is a digestive system response; food allergy is an immune system response.
The eight foods responsible for 90% of all food allergies are as follows:
-Milk (Dairy)
-Peanuts
-Tree Nuts
-Soy
-Egg
-Wheat
-Fish
-Shellfish
How common are Food Allergies?
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in 2007, approximately 3 million children under age 18 were reported to have food allergies - that’s 1 in every 25 children. Also according to the CDC, from 1997 to 2007, the prevalence of reported food allergy diagnosis increased 18% among children under 18 years of age.
What are the signs of an allergic reaction to food?
Symptoms can range from mild to severe. They can occur immediately upon ingestion, or several hours later. Some of the more commonly reported food allergy symptoms include:
-Hives
-Rash (Eczema)
-Nausea
-Cramps
-Airway Restriction
-Chest Pain
-Swelling of Lips, Tongue, Face
-Diarrhea
-In severe cases, Anaphylactic Shock.
What is Anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. Although anaphylaxis can result from exposure to any allergen, one of the most common causes is exposure to food allergens. Symptoms may include itchy eyes, swelling, lowered blood pressure, and breathing difficulty. The only effective treatment for anaphylaxis is epinephrine by injection. At the first sign of a reaction, epinephrine should be administered and 911 called for emergency response. The individual should then be transported to the nearest emergency room for further treatment and observation.
How is a Food Allergy Diagnosed?
If you suspect you or your child has a food allergy, consult an allergy specialist immediately. The allergy specialist will review medical history, including dietary information, and may perform skin or blood tests to identify if an allergy exists and which food(s) caused the reaction.
What is the treatment for a Food Allergy?
The only proven method for the treatment of food allergies is strict avoidance. Anyone diagnosed with food allergies should carry injectable epinephrine (as prescribed by a physician) and wear medic alert jewelry.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical advice or treatment by a licensed allergist or other health care provider.
